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The Institute

Who We Are

Lama Tzong Khapa Institute is a Tibetan Buddhist center located in the heart of Tuscany. We offer regular courses on Buddhism, meditation, and many other topics, all aimed at the development of the human qualities of kindness, compassion, and wisdom. The Institute community consists of a sangha of Buddhist monks and nuns, an international body of lay students and visitors, and a large group of staff and volunteers. We welcome everyone interested in following a course or just to spend some quiet time enjoying the beautiful, peaceful setting.

"The aim of the center is to serve others. This is an international center, open to everyone, every race, nationality, and background. It is a place to learn how to free the mind from deep-seated harmful conceptions, and to live in harmony with others by putting meditation into practice in daily life."

Founder of the FPMT, Lama Thubten Yeshe

Since its founding in 1977, Lama Tzong Khapa Institute has grown into one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in Europe. As an international school for Buddhist studies and practice, it attracts students from around the world who are interested in deepening their understanding of Buddhism and the mind through intensive study of Buddhist philosophy and psychology. These courses also include introspective meditation methods and an opportunity for active service.

Affiliation

Lama Tzong Khapa Institute is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a large international organization founded in the 1970’s by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. Our teachings are in the tradition of Mahayana Buddhism according to the Tibetan Gelug School founded by Lama Tzong Khapa, of which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the most widely renowned representative today. The Institute does not engage in the practice of Shugden.